Jiu-Jitsu Rules
Jiu-Jitsu has official rules created for competitions, which also serve as technical, educational, and disciplinary guidelines to be taught and followed within academies. These rules guide not only sport combat, but also the overall development of the practitioner, ensuring safety, respect, and continuous improvement.
Our academy follows the rules of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), represented in Brazil by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation (CBJJ), the governing body with the greatest credibility and recognition in Brazilian and worldwide Jiu-Jitsu.
Objective of the Match
The primary objective of a Jiu-Jitsu match is to control the opponent through technique and seek a submission, using chokes or joint locks applied with control. A submission ends the match immediately and demonstrates technical superiority.
When no submission occurs, the match result is determined by points, based on positional dominance, control, and technical progression throughout the fight.
Scoring System
The scoring system rewards dominant positions achieved with technique and stability, such as:
Takedowns, when an athlete brings the opponent to the ground while maintaining control;
Sweeps, when an athlete reverses a bottom position and establishes top control;
Guard passes, by passing the opponent’s legs and stabilizing the position;
Mount and back control, considered high-control positions with significant strategic advantage.
Positions must be held for a minimum amount of time for points to be awarded, reinforcing the concept of real control.
Submissions and Safety
Submissions include chokes and joint locks, which must be applied progressively and responsibly. When a technique is fully locked in, the athlete must signal submission by tapping, and the hold must be released immediately.
The rules were created to preserve the physical integrity of the student, regardless of age. For this reason, there are technical restrictions, especially for children and beginners, which are gradually lifted as the student grows, gains experience, and advances in rank.
Prohibited Conduct
To ensure safety and sportsmanship, the following are not allowed:
Striking techniques such as punches, kicks, elbows, or headbutts;
Attacks to the eyes, fingers, or groin;
Sudden or uncontrolled movements;
Unsportsmanlike or disrespectful behavior on or off the mat.
Discipline, Respect, and Hygiene
Jiu-Jitsu rules go beyond technique. They also establish standards of conduct, including:
Respect for instructors, teammates, referees, and opponents;
Emotional control during training and competition;
Use of clean and proper uniforms;
Attention to personal hygiene and cleanliness of the training environment.
These principles help maintain Jiu-Jitsu as a safe, organized, and family-friendly environment, suitable for children, adults, and families.
Belts and Divisions
The belt ranking system represents the practitioner’s technical level, experience, and behavior. In training and competition, students are divided by belt, age, and weight, promoting fairer, safer, and more educational matches.
Official Rulebook
For those interested in learning more, the official IBJJF/CBJJ rulebook is available for free download on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation website, in the Refereeing section.
